Debut album “Ship’s Bell” available now
About
Both born and raised in the northern port city of Oulu, Tanja Torvikoski and Petri Kuusela circled their shared hometown for years before meeting each other. They were following their own musical paths that seemed to be veering towards session musicianship and/or solo careers. However, from the moment they first met in 2013 it didn’t take long for a driving duo to take shape. Kuusela’s virtuous guitar playing and Torvikoski’s haunting singing voice make up a musical conversation that is the foundation of their songwriting as well as live dynamics. Topped with vocal harmonies and thoughtfully weaved arrangements Lanai’s recordings and live performances result in evocative and even meditative experiences.
Lanai is a modern folk americana project emerging from Northern Finland, where American singer-songwriter and folk music tradition meets wide, Scandinavian soundscapes. Opening single, vibrant and lively “Follow The Sun” combines electric drums and guitars with roomy acoustic elements and intimate vocals. It was first premiered by Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE and after its official release it went on to be the song of the week on Finland’s most regarded music media YleX Radio. Second singe “Hold Onto Nothing” met its audience particularly among the more seasoned heeders with its big, full americana sound and storytelling, now bringing people together from both ends of the generational spectrum. Later on the second track of the record “Joanna” begun to stand out as a singer-songwriter tour de force in its own right as it was hand picked by editorials, radios and fans internationally answering to the call of those grown weary in the good fight.
The kinship shared towards the songwriting tradition and aesthetics served as a common language and guideline amid the abundance of the duo’s musical influences. This pull in the same direction became the compass for their debut record ”Ship’s Bell” which, regardless of the melancholic undercurrent, bears a strong sense of hope. ”Ship’s Bell” was released March 1st 2019 gaining beautiful reviews internationally and made Lanai one of Finland’s most singular emerging alternative folk acts. The album was recorded in a remote cabin in the outskirts of Lapland that worked as the laboratory for the pairs collaborative chemistry. When the album was nearly done, they were joined by two Grammy-winning musicians Rob Moose (strings) and Kim Rosen (mastering) in the finishing of the record. After the record release Lanai has done two extensive tours, released a 3-part-studiolive series by the name of Arctic Pulse Sessions, played summer festivals and live venues in Finland and is now writing their second full-length.
”What a lovely album.”
The Music Below, US
”A mature album full of beautiful songs.”
The Next Gig, NL
“Understated grace. Life and vibrance”.
Comeherefloyd, US
“This is one to watch out for.”
Born Music, UK
“As far as debuts go, they rarely sound as ready as this one.”
Alice & June, FIN
”Todella hyvin tehtyä, loppuun asti vietyä, modernia folk-musiikkia.”
Pekka Laine, YLE
”Viimeisen kappaleen sulkeuduttua sieluun on hiipinyt uskomattoman raukea ja aurinkoinen olo.”
Mika Roth, Desibeli
“Huolella ja paneutumisella kypsytetty esikoisalbumi on jo nyt vuoden kotimaisia kiekkoja.”
Keikkaguru
”Eteerisen kaunis.”
Lassi Linnola, Soundi
Contact
Booking & General Inquiries
hi.lanaimusic@gmail.com
+358 40 0485693